One of Africa's smallest nations made history in October 2025 by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. In CAF qualifying, Cape Verde were drawn into a group alongside Cameroon, Libya, Angola, Mauritius, and Eswatini. Most observers expected Cameroon to top the section, but a combination of Cape Verde's strong on-pitch performances and Cameroon's internal football turmoil paved the way for the underdogs to finish first and secure direct qualification.
The Blue Sharks bring a squad that blends youth and experience to the tournament. Dailon Livramento is one of the players to watch. The 24-year-old forward has 20 caps and seven goals to his name, and along with captain Ryan Mendes, he forms a key part of the attack. The squad also includes defender Logan Costa, who has just returned from injury, and Steven Moreira, another reliable presence at the back.
Cape Verde will open their World Cup campaign against Spain on June 15th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Six days later, they travel to face Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, before closing out the group stage against Saudi Arabia on June 26th at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Ahead of the tournament, Cape Verde will play a warm-up friendly against Serbia on May 31st in Lisbon, Portugal.
Cape Verde 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Carlos dos Santos (San Diego), Marcio Rosa (Montana 1921), Vozinha (Chaves)
Defenders: Sidny Cabral (Benfica), Diney Borges (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Kelvin Pires (SJK Seinajoki), Stopira (Torreense)
Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Joao Paulo Fernandes (Otelul Galati), Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar), Yannick Semedo (Farense)
Forwards: Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti), Jovane Cabral (Estrela da Amadora), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
